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Kelly Warm Spring flows at 81 degrees Fahrenheit just 108 meters from Gros Ventre Road at 6,684 feet elevation in Grand Teton National Park. The moderate temperature runs 42 degrees above the 38.9-degree ambient air in terrain receiving 135 inches of annual snowfall.
The spring emerges in sagebrush-dotted terrain with views of Blacktail Butte and the Teton Range. The nearby Gros Ventre River winds through cottonwood groves, supporting moose, bison, and mule deer populations. Elevation places the feature in the transition zone between valley floor and mountain slopes.
History of Kelly Warm Spring
The spring takes its name from the nearby settlement of Kelly, established by homesteaders in the early 1900s. The area saw limited thermal development compared to other regional springs, remaining relatively undisturbed within park boundaries since Grand Teton's expansion.
Access from spring through fall when Gros Ventre Road remains open. The short walk from roadside parking requires no special equipment. Gros Ventre Campground, 4.9 kilometers distant, offers established camping with river access. Watch for wildlife crossing the road, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Is Kelly Warm Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Overnight camping trips
Kelly Warm Spring is well suited for warm-water soaking and overnight camping trips.
Annual Precip: 26.9 in
Annual Snow: 135.0 in
December
Air 18°F · Water 81°F · +63° contrast
January
Air 19°F · Water 81°F · +62° contrast
February
Air 22°F · Water 81°F · +59° contrast
December offers 46°F more contrast than July
Overview
Gros Ventre (pronounced ‘grow-vont’), means “big belly” in French, and the Gros Ventre Campground—surrounded by cottonwood trees and featuring stunning views of Blacktail Butte and the Teton Mountains—is truly magnificent! The campground’s location next to the Gros Ventre River offers some of the best opportunities in the park for wildlife sightings, as bison, moose, mule deer and a wide variety of birds are known to frequent the area. For avid anglers, the Gros Ventre River offers p...
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Swimsuit & towel
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially in hot water
Warm layers
Cold air before and after soaking
Camping gear
Nearby camping at Gros Ventre Campground
Trash bag
Pack out what you pack in
USGS Quad: SHADOW MOUNTAIN 7.5 · NOAA: 3.0 · AMS Map: DRIGGS
What is the water temperature at Kelly Warm Spring?
Kelly Warm Spring has a water temperature of 81°F (27°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Kelly Warm Spring located?
Kelly Warm Spring is located in Teton County, Wyoming at 6,684 feet elevation, near Jackson. Coordinates: 43.6390°N, 110.6150°W.
How do I get to Kelly Warm Spring?
Kelly Warm Spring has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Gros Ventre Road (355 ft from the road).
Is Kelly Warm Spring free to visit?
Kelly Warm Spring has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near Kelly Warm Spring?
Yes, Gros Ventre Campground is located nearby (3.0 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Kelly Warm Spring?
Kelly Warm Spring is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Kelly Warm Spring crowded?
Kelly Warm Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Kelly Warm Spring?
Essentials for Kelly Warm Spring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, warm layers for before and after soaking, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.